Philadelphia, Pa – January 5th, 2013 – Philadelphia Brewing Company
will be the first brewery in the United States to accept the
crypto-currency Bitcoin as payment for both retail and wholesale
purchases effective immediately. Retail customers will be able to
purchase the popular brewery’s full assortment of beers and ciders, as
well as company T-shirts, bottle openers, and other merchandise at
their retail outlet on Frankford Avenue, in the Kensington section of
Philadelphia.
Philadelphia Brewing Company, which has been brewing and delivering
fresh beer daily since 2007, decided to accept Bitcoin because it is a
simple, efficient way to accept electronic payment. With Bitcoin,
there are virtually no barriers to entry besides ones willingness to
accept it. They will be using the Bitcoin payment processor, Bitpay,
which offers tools that allow merchants to accept Bitcoin and have
U.S. dollars deposited into their bank accounts the next day for a 1%
fee. This removes any concerns of Bitcoin’s price volatility while
allowing them to take advantage of the efficiencies of the Bitcoin
payment network. Credit card processors can charge upwards of 2-3%
in addition to equipment rental, membership fees, and worrying about
fraudulent charge-backs.
PBC appreciates the potential for Bitcoin to bring efficiencies and
savings to their wholesale distribution operation as well. Currently,
delivery drivers can only accept payment by check. Each check has to
be brought back to the office and processed manually. It also can
take several days for funds to clear. With Bitcoin, the delivery driver
simply presents a QR code, either on a smart-phone or printed on a
paper invoice, for the customer to scan. The bookkeeper is instantly
notified that the payment has been received and the invoice is
marked paid. No more manual check entry and traveling to the bank to
deposit them. Bitcoin combines the benefits of cash with the
convenience of electronic payments, without any of the safety issues
of cash and at a far lower cost than other means of electronic
payment.
The BitcoinPHL meetup group will be celebrating Philadelphia Brewing
Company’s adoption of Bitcoin with a brewery tour and beer tasting on
Satuday Feb 1st, 2013. This is a great opportunity for both craft beer
lovers to see the brewery and sample their products and for people
who are curious about Bitcoin to come learn and see it in action.
Details are posted at http://www.meetup.com/BitcoinPHL/events/159658652/.

About Philadelphia Brewing Company: Decades of brewing experience and an
unwavering passion for the science of brewing are what define us best. We skillfully
create our recipes by using only the best ingredients available. By adapting old world
beer styles with modern brewing techniques, we have developed unique flavors that
represent Philadelphia proudly. With more than a dozen different styles of ales and
lagers brewed annually we have a beer for every discerning palate. In addition to
operating the oldest and largest brewing facility in Philadelphia we are also fiercely
independent. We brew fresh beer daily and deliver fresh beer daily — directly to our
loyal customers. We also believe that there is more than just great beer behind a
successful brewery. It’s our company’s values that put our community, environment
and people right up there with the bottom line. Come for a visit and see for yourself
how our commitment and independence sets us apart from the rest.